Getting Approved For A Loan

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• Speak to a lender before finding your dream home: It's very important to meet with a lender to determine if you are approved for a home loan and if so, how much. Meeting with a lender prior to looking at homes ensures that you don't fall in love with a home only to find out you are unable to purchase it. Knowing the details of an approval also allows you to search for homes in your price range.
• If your credit history isn't great, still meet with a lender: Even with less than great credit, there still may be options to getting approved for a loan. Take the first step and meet with a lender to determine what your options may be, with great credit or not.
• Know the difference between your credit score and your credit history: Obtaining your credit score and then proceeding to go through with the home buying process may not be such a good idea. Your credit score is important but so is your credit history and it's important to know what your history is before settling on a home. Don't make the mistake of knowing your credit score and then finding your dream home only to find out that your credit history is filled with unresolved bills or errors.
• Don't max out credit cards after being pre-approved: Your credit will most likely be checked right before closing on the home so be mindful of that before making large furniture or appliance purchases for the home.
• Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval: Getting pre-qualified is only the very beginning and does not mean you are officially approved for a loan. Many times, getting pre-qualified can be done over the phone and is only a vague glimpse into your financial situation. Getting pre-approved usually involves filling out an actual mortgage application and taking a more in depth look at your financial picture.

The Biggest Air Leak In Your Home That You Don't Know About

HouseLogic

John Riha for House Logic

Have you caulked all of your windows and replaced any damaged weatherstripping on doors? That's great but the biggest leak in your home is probably somewhere you never thought about....

The largest air leak in your home could be coming from a hole that the plumber makes in the sub floor to create room for the drain assembly at the bottom of the bathtub. Since the drain assembly is so large, plumbers usually cut a very generous hole to make room for connecting the pipes. This large hole is usually left open to the space below.

How do you know if you have this hole?
If your first floor bathroom is over the crawlspace or unheated basement, it is likely that you have one of these giant energy wasting holes in your home.

Is it a big deal?
Having one of these huge holes can waste about as much energy as leaving a window open a few inches all day, every day. Another problem? These holes are big enough for critters to get into your home!

What is the best way to fix the leak?
Plumbers can stuff around the hole with loose insulation but that is a temporary fix since fiberglass insulation sags over time, especially if it gets damp. Here's a better solution:

1. Crawl under the bathroom to look at the drain assembly from underneath.
2. Patch the hole with pieces of foam board that are cut to fit around the pipes and then screw them into place.
3. Seal any remaining gaps with spray foam insulation which only costs around $8 a can.

If you decide to have a plumber do the job instead, it will probably cost about $100-$150 but is worth it so you can know you are both saving energy and keeping unwanted animals out of your home!

Terms Every Seller Should Know

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• Affidavit of title: A written statement that sellers make under oath certifying that they are in possession of the property, and that since the examination of the title on the date of the contracts no defects have occurred in the title. Marital status is also listed here.
• Appraisal: The estimated current market value of a property.
• Assessed value: The value of real estate property as determined by an assessor, usually from the county.
• "As-is": A contract or listing clause stating that the seller will not repair or correct any problems with the property.
• Back on Market (BOM): When a property or listing is placed back on the market after being temporarily removed.
• Back-up offer: When an offer is accepted contingent on the fall-through or voiding of an accepted first offer on a property.
• Bidding war: When two or more buyers compete for a property by submitting higher offers than the first.
• Brokerage: A firm engaged in buying and selling real estate for clients, using brokers and real estate agents to handle the deal.
• Broker's tour: A set time and day when real estate sales agents come to view listings by multiple brokerages in the market.
• Buyer's agent: The agent who shows the buyers the property and negotiates the contract for the buyer through closing.
• Buyer's market: A market condition characterized by low prices and a supply of properties that exceed demand.
• Capital gain: Profit earned from the sale which is above the original purchase price.
• Chain of title: The document that shows the succession of conveyances, from some accepted starting point to the current holder of title.
• Closing: The end of the transaction process, in which the deed is delivered, documents are signed and funds are dispersed.
• Closing costs: Expenses above and beyond the purchase price of a house and land that is paid by the buyer or seller at the completion of the sale.
• Closing statement: A detailed cash accounting of a real estate transaction showing all cash received, all charges and credits made and all cash paid out in the transaction.
• Commission: The compensation paid to the listing brokerage by the seller for selling the property, a percentage of which is also paid to the buyer's agent.
• Commission split: The percentage of commission which is split between the real estate sales brokerage and the real estate sales agent or broker.
• Comparable: A property used in an appraisal or comparative market analysis (CMA) report that is equivalent to the seller's property.
• Competitive Market Analysis (CMA): A comparison of the prices of recently sold or listed homes that are similar to a seller's property in terms of location, style and amenities. This is usually prepared by a listing agent for the property's seller.
• Contingency: A provision in a contract that requires certain actions before the contract is binding or the transaction can be finalized or closed.
• Contract for deed: A sales contract in which the buyer takes possession of the property but the seller holds title until the loan is paid. Also known as an installment sales contract.
• Cost approach: Determination of the estimated value of a property that comes from adding, to the estimated land value, the appraiser's estimate of the replacement cost of the building, less any deprecation.
• Counteroffer: An offer made in response to an offer received from the buyer.
• Curb appeal: The visual impact that a property projects from the street view.
• Days on market: The number of days that a property has been for sale on the market.
• Depreciation: A loss of value in property due to physical or functional deterioration.
• Disclosures: Federal, state, county, and local requirements of disclosure that the seller provides and the buyer acknowledges.
• Down payment: The amount of cash put towards a purchase that the borrower provides.
• Dual agent: A state-licensed individual who represents the seller and the buyer in a single transaction.
• Earnest money: The money given as a good faith deposit to the seller at the time the offer is made. Once accepted by the seller, it is held in a trust account until closing.
• Escrow account: The trust account established by a broker for the purpose of holding funds, such as the earnest money, on behalf of the seller until closing.
• Exclusive-right-to-sell listing: A listing contract whereby the owner appoints a real estate broker as his or her exclusive agent for a designated period of time, to sell the property on the owner's stated terms, and agrees to pay the broker a commission when the property is sold.
• Expired listing: A property listing that has expired per the terms of the listing agreement.
• Fiduciary relationship: A relationship of trust and confidence between the real estate agent and the client, as under the terms of a listing contract.
• Flat fee: A predetermined amount of compensation received or paid for a specific service in a real estate transaction.
• Inclusions: Fixtures or personal property included in a contract or offer to purchase.
• Lease option: When a lease gives the tenant an option to purchase the property during a lease term.
• List date: The actual date the property was listed with the current broker.
• List price: The price of a property through a listing agreement.
• Listing agreement: A contract between an owner-seller and a real estate broker to have the broker find a buyer for the owner's real estate in exchange for the owner paying a commission.
• Listing appointment: The time when a real estate agent meets with potential clients to secure a listing agreement.
• Lockbox: A device with a combination or keypad that hangs from the door knob and stores the keys to the property for sale, so that agents can gain access for showings.
• Market value: The estimated price that a property is likely to sell for under normal conditions on the open market.
• Multiple-listing service (MLS): A group of member brokers who agree to share their listing information with one another in the hopes of procuring buyers for their properties more quickly than they could on their own.
• National Association of Realtors (NAR): A national association of real estate agents.
• Parcel Identification Number (PIN): A county or city tracking number for a property.
• Pending: The status of real estate under an accepted contract that has not yet closed its transaction.
• Preview appointment: When a buyer's agent views the property alone to see if it fits his or her buyer's needs.
• Quit-claim deed: A document that releases the grantor/seller from whatever interest he or she has in the real estate. 
• Realtor: A registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors that can be used only to refer to its members.
• Re-list: Property listed by a broker that formerly was listed by another broker.
• Severalty: Ownership of real property by one person only; also called sole ownership.
• Staging: Preparing a home for sale through the neutral but appealing placement of furniture and accessories.
• Survey: The process by which boundaries are measured and land areas are determined; the on site measurement of lot lines, dimensions, and position of a house on a lot, including the determination of any existing encroachments or easements.
• Temporarily Off Market (TOM): A listed property that is taken off the market for a short time.
• Title search: The examination of public records relating to a real estate parcel which determines the current state of its ownership.
• Transaction: The purchase process from offer to closing or escrow.
• Under contract: A property that has an accepted real estate contract between a seller and a buyer.
• Walk through: A showing before closing that permits the buyers one final tour of the property they are purchasing, usually so that they can check for any changes or defects.

Projects That Can Increase Home Value

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• New front door: Replacing a front door with a new steel door costs about $1,162 with a 96.6% return
• Kitchen updates: A minor kitchen remodel costs about $18,856 with an 82.7% return
• Bathroom remodel: The average remodel costs around $16,128 with a 75.2% return. If a remodel is not in the budget, simply replacing fixtures with new brushed chrome ones makes a big difference as does replacing all of the caulking around tubs, sinks, toilets, etc.
• Replace windows: Replacing 10 existing 3 ft by 5 ft double hung windows with insulated, low-E windows runs about $16,798 for wood frames with an expected return of 74%.
• Fresh paint on both the interior and exterior if needed
• Updating hardware-especially in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Add landscaping: Landscaping is a great way to showcase your lawn. Cut down any overgrown bushes and plant a border of small, neutral colored flowers instead.
• Service the systems: Taking care of your furnace, air conditioner, etc will show a potential buyer that you take pride in your home and that it is well taken care of.
• Thoroughly clean appliances, especially the oven and the stove.
• Declutter: Remove any belongings that are not necessary and strive to keep counter tops, vanities, top of the fridge, etc, clear.

10 Houseplants That Improve The Air Quality In Your Home

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These easy to grow houseplants are a great addition to your home; they bring a touch of the outdoors inside and they help to improve the quality of the air in your home, creating a healthier living environment and elevating your overall mood.

1. Bamboo Palm-These are great for removing pollutants from the air and they grow an average of 10 inches to 15 feet.
2. Dracaena-These are low maintenance, tolerating low humidity, low light, and infrequent watering.
3. Philodendron- These plants excel at freshening the air and they require minimal care.
4. English Ivy- These grow well in pots or hanging baskets and can also grow on a railing or trellis. While they can be aggressive growers, regular pruning will keep them at bay.
5. Spider Plant- These plants are easy to both grow and share, however, they do prefer moderate light and humidity so they do best in bathrooms or kitchens.
6. Peace Lily- These are wonderful for cleaning the air as well as easy to maintain.  They are attractive plants, growing thick and shiny leaves and white flowers.
7. Weeping Figs- These grow 4-6 feet tall and prefer moderate to bright light and humidity. They can be finicky though and do not like to be moved!
8. Golden Pothos- These are a climbing vine with heart shaped leaves and they require little care, preferring low light, low humidity, and low temperatures.
9. Snake Plant- Both low to moderate light and humidity allows these plants to flourish.
10. Gerbera Daisy- Beautiful blooms and green leaves make this plant a popular choice. These are perennials that, with the proper care, can bloom all year round. They grow to be about a foot tall and also make beautiful arrangements for flower vases.

Happy Friday

3 Annoying Mortgage Hurdles And How To Get Over Them

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1. High debt ratio: Even if you have a stellar credit score and lot's of money in the bank, a high debt ratio is a problem when trying to get a mortgage. If your housing payments and your credit obligations are greater than 45% of your monthly income, it will be very difficult to obtain a mortgage, at least without making some changes. If debt such as car payments and payments on credit cards are holding you back from getting a mortgage, take an in depth look at those accounts. Can any of them be paid off in full? If not, see if your payments can be consolidated into a lower payment. Your loan officer will be able to assist you in managing your debt better.
2. When a solution creates another problem: Getting a loan can be frustrating. For example, if a loan officer asks you to provide pay stubs showing your yearly income and last year shows a lower income than previous years, your loan officer may ask you for a letter of explanation about why your income is less. Sometimes these conditions can snowball, making the process slow. If things get complicated, consider cancelling the loan and starting over with very clear directions.
3. Undocumented funds: Even if you are self employed, lenders will still want your funds documented. Any funds being deposited into your account that are separate from your income need to be documented, explained, and sourced in order to be considered loan eligible. If it is possible, try to avoid depositing monies into your bank account that you will be unprepared to document. Instead, try using a different asset account without the deposit activity or try getting gift funds that you can provide documentation for. 

5 Home Design Features That Can Hurt A Sale

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1. Transforming a bedroom: If you have a four bedroom home, you want buyers to see four bedrooms. Altering a bedroom to become a walk-in closet or hobby room may be great for you, but less bedrooms will be negative to buyers. 
2. Carpet: While carpeting may be comfortable, many potential buyers are likely to see it as a trap for dirt and odors. In many cases, hardwood floors are preferred over carpeting.
3. Accent walls: While these are a great way to quickly  and cheaply personalize a room, they may not appeal to the masses. Many buyers see changing paint as stressful and only adding to work that needs to be done.
4. Small appliances: Although you may be short on space and prefer a slim version of an appliance, most buyers will prefer the full sized version. Appliances are expensive and a lot of buyers won't want to buy new ones.
5. Pools and hot tubs: Although these may be great to have in your yard, buyers often don't see them as desirable. Families with young children may see them as a safety hazard and many buyers don't want one because of the cost of maintenance. 

Home Equity Loans

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After home equity loans became nearly non-existent due to the market conditions, they are slowly making their way back. Here are 4 quick things to know about these loans:

1. Equity is a must: You must have at least 20% equity in your home before you can qualify for a home equity loan. Equity is the portion of your home that you actually own. For example, if you purchased your home for $200,000, the balance on your loan must be $160,000 or less.
2. Two types of loans: A standard home equity loan is when you borrow a single large sum of money. The second type is a home-equity line of credit, also called HELOC. With a home-equity line of credit, you can borrow smaller amounts of money over time, up to a fixed amount. When deciding between the two loans, consider whether you are doing an large project all at once which you need money for, or if you are going to be doing smaller scale projects over a period of time.
3. Not a good option for small loans: When taking out a home equity loan, they are usually not available for loans less than $10,000. Some banks don't utilize home equity loans for less than $25,000.
4. A home equity loan is a mortgage: Due to the fact that a home equity loan is a type of mortgage similar to the one you took out to purchase your home, there are certain pluses and minuses to taking one out. The interest paid on a home equity loan is tax deductible and the interest rates tend to be lower than those for a credit card or other types of loans you could use. With all of the benefits to home equity loans, it's important to remember that these loans are directly connected to your home so if you do fall behind on payments, your home can be foreclosed on.

A home equity loan may be the best choice for you, however, make sure you fully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before taking one out.

What Are The Most Germ Ridden Spots In Your Home?

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• Kitchen sponge or dishcloth: Bacteria love to grow on these items and the worst part is that when kitchen surfaces are wiped down, the bacteria is able to spread all over. To avoid this germ infestation, replace your sponges regularly and either run them through the dishwasher on the top rack or microwave them for 1-2 minutes in between replacements.
• Kitchen sink: Germs love to multiply in the kitchen sink so be sure to clean the sink and drain plug daily with a solution of bleach and water (one part bleach to 10 parts water). 
• Salt and pepper shakers: Cold viruses love to congregate on these so wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe regularly. 
• Coffee tables: Many of us come home after a long day and put our feet up on the coffee table while relaxing. This spreads many germs and bacteria from outside so leave your shoes at the door and disinfect coffee tables and other table surfaces.

What's Better-An Open Or Closed Kitchen?

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Open kitchen pros

• Brings the family together by integrating meal prep with other activities such as watching T.V. in the family room
• Allows guests into the center of the home and makes conversation between guests and the home cook easier
• Gets rid of walls that reduce natural light
• Adds the feeling of more space, especially in smaller homes

Closed kitchen pros

• Keeps messes in the kitchen hidden
• Having more walls means more space for cabinets, counters, and appliance storage
• Guests can't easily get into the kitchen to disturb the cook
• Cooking odors are more confined to the kitchen area
• The dining space is more formal

Both kitchen types have advantages; an ideal kitchen may have the best of both worlds. Some ways to achieve this are:

• A pass-through window: This can connect the kitchen to a living space without tearing down walls. Another option may be to take out a non-bearing wall (much cheaper and easier than removing a bearing wall) and replacing it with a half wall or peninsula. This is somewhat expensive but it will open up a closed off kitchen.
• Folding or pocket doors can be opened when you want a flow into the kitchen and closed when you don't. Use doors with glass to allow light in.
• Put in a raised bar/eating counter in your island: Facing the raised portion towards your living area will allow the space to be open while blocking the view of the food prep area.
• Putting in a half wall (40-50 inches tall) between the kitchen and living area offers both a physical and visual boundary for your kitchen yet the space is not completely closed off.
• Investing in quality, sound reducing appliances will be more of an investment than regular appliances but they won't disturb nearby conversations as much.

Fireplace Safety And Tips

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• Only burn dry, cured wood: It's best to use logs that have been split, cracked and dried for at least 8-12 months. Hardwoods such as white oak, hickory, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn the longest, but using firewood that is dry is more important than the species.
• Only burn firewood: Burning crates, construction scraps, lumber, painted wood and other treated wood can release harmful chemicals into your home, degrading the air quality. Log starters are OK for getting the fire going, but they burn very hot and only one should be used at a time.
• Close the damper when the wood fireplace is not in use: If the damper is left open, that warm air you spend money on to keep in your home will escape out of the chimney. 
• Keep glass bi-fold doors open: Keeping these doors open while a fire is burning allows heat to get into the room. 
• Have a chimney cap installed: Chimney caps prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into the chimney and they also reduce downdrafts. A chimney sweep can usually provide and install a stainless steel cap for around $50-$200. Stainless steel is a better choice than galvanized metal because it won't rust.
• Replace poorly sealed dampers: A top mounted damper that also doubles as a rain cap provides a better closure than a traditional damper and can prevent heat loss.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: These are very important to have around your wood fireplaces as well as in bedrooms.
• Chimneys should be cleaned twice a year: If more than three cords of wood are burned annually, the chimney should be cleaned out twice a year. A cord is 4 feet high by 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, which is about the amount of logs that would fill two full sized pick up trucks.
• In order to burn a fire safely, build it slowly and add more wood as it heats up: Keep the damper of your wood fireplace open completely to increase draw in the beginning of the fire. Once in awhile, burn the fire hot, with the damper completely open, to prevent smoke from staying in the fireplace and creosote from developing. 

5 Smart Homebuyer Strategies

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1. Be specific: Let your Realtor know exactly what is most important to you  in a home so that you don't waste your time seeing homes that don't fit your criteria. Once you find the home that you love, submit a letter along with the offer letting the seller know what you love about the home and why it's a good fit for you and your family.
2. Get preapproved by a lender: Getting preapproved lets you know how much you can afford and also allows you to put in an offer more quickly. Your Realtor can also let the seller know you are preapproved which will help your case.
3. Shop within your range: It's a good idea to shop either within your price range or just under so that you are more prepared to make a full price offer or one slightly above asking price in the event that you enter a bidding war.
4. Be flexible: No home is totally perfect. In order to get more home for your money, consider purchasing an older home that may need some work in exchange for more square footage versus a home in a newer neighborhood that is more expensive for the same square footage. 
5. Be ready: Be ready to go and see a new listing with little notice. Be prepared to make an offer when you think you have found the home that is perfect for your family. Once a seller accepts your offer, decide on a closing date that not only accommodates your family, but the seller as well.

Budgeting For A Remodel

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• Estimate the costs: To begin, it's important to understand the realistic cost of your remodel job. In general, major upgrades, such as a bathroom overhaul or family room addition, cost about $100-$200 a square foot.
• Determine how much you have to spend: Once you figure out what project you want to do, you need to determine if you have the funds for it. If you are paying cash that's one thing, but if you are going to require a loan you need to find out what a bank will loan you and how that will affect your monthly budget. There are three basic types of loans; cash-out refinance, home equity loan, and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). For the majority of homeowners, the best way to borrow money for a home improvement project is a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is a good choice because it's a loan that is secured by your home equity which makes it qualify for a lower interest rate and you can deduct the interest on your taxes as well. The catch to a HELOC is that the monthly payment only covers that month's interest; this can make it easy to fall into a large amount of debt. To avoid this, you can use your own repayment schedule, paying 1/60th of the principal plus the interest every month over 5 years or 1/120th for 10 years. If you can't afford to do that, you may want to reconsider the project.
• Get quotes from contractors: Before talking with contractors, decide the details of the project including finishes and materials. This way, you are more likely to get a quote that is more accurate. Get quotes from at least 3 contractors and ask to see their recent work, check their references, and look at online sites that provide peer reviews of contractors. Once you find a contractor that you like, add a 15%-20% contingency for unexpected problems. If you can still afford this, get started! If not, it may be a good idea to rethink your plans.
• Tailor the project to fit your budget: If your dream project is not aligning with your budget, it might be time to revamp your plan. Start by asking your contractor for ways to lower costs such as using laminate counters instead of quartz or granite. Consider keeping older items that are in good shape such as appliances or lighting fixtures. Try making the project smaller; changing a 100 square foot project to an 80 square foot project can save a lot of money.

Checking Your Credit Before Purchasing A Home

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Before purchasing a home you need to meet with a lender to see about qualifying for a loan. Lenders will use your credit score from your credit report to see if you are a responsible borrower and therefore if you qualify for a loan with them. Credit reports are put together by three separate agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  Each of these agencies puts together information from your credit history and, using a formula put together by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), determines your credit score. Each of your scores will be slightly different and lenders usually use your middle score when analyzing your credit history.

Your credit score is used to determine the rates and conditions of your loan. If you have a higher credit score,  lenders see you as a low risk investment meaning that you probably won't have difficulty paying back the loan and they will offer you a lower rate with good conditions. If your score is on the lower side, lenders may see you as a high risk investment and may offer you a loan with a higher interest rate. The maximum score is 850, although anything over 800 is pretty rare (only about 10% of applicants have a score above 800), any score in the 700's or higher is considered excellent and will usually get you a lower rate, and anything in the 600's can get a little more complicated. A score of 680 is still considered good but if your score falls below 660 some lenders may start denying you a loan.

If your credit score is on the low side or lower than you expected-don't worry too much. Your credit score changes over time and there are several ways to improve it such as making all of your payments on time and paying down existing debt. To know your numbers, you can head over to Credit.com and use their free Credit Report Card every month to see where you stand.

Happy Friday

Things You Have Wrong About Green Homes

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• Green homes are expensive: Eco friendly homes are available for a wide range of prices such as green prefabs for less than $150,000 to urban eco friendly condos for $690,000 or more. Green homes come in different types, prices, and sizes.
• Green homes look strange: Green homes don't just look like spaceships-they have come a long way. Most green homes look just like traditional ones only they may have solar panels on the roof or small wind turbines. 
• Green homes use only non-toxic materials: This is not always the case. Many green homes use spray polyurethane foam which can be controversial. Although this material is a great energy saver, it is also thought to contribute to global warming.
• Green homes require cutting edge technology: Green homes are less about new technology and gadgets and more about using construction methods that increase energy efficiency and create a healthy indoor living area. 
• Green homes need new energy efficient appliances: It's actually not green to get rid of appliances that are in good working order, even if they aren't energy efficient. If they are taken care of properly, major appliances such as fridges and washers/dryers should last about 10-18 years.
• Urban areas need green homes more than rural areas: Actually, both rural areas and suburban areas need green homes more than urban areas. People that live in crowded cities actually have a smaller carbon footprint because of the walkability of the area they live in.
• Existing homes can't be green: Not true! Retrofitting a home is a much greener process than building a new one; new green homes take 10-80 years to overcome the negative affects to the enviornment that the construction process causes.

10 Things To Know Before Painting A Room

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1. Different paint finishes have different advantages: High gloss paint is very durable and cleans easily but can enhance imperfections on a beat up wall. Flat paint hides imperfections well but is much easier to damage than high gloss finish paint. Eggshell is a good in between option.
2. Don't necessarily fear color: Choosing the right color can add great texture and depth to a room and can transform a boring room into a beautiful space. If you don't like a color once it's on the wall, just paint over it!
3. Small samples are a good idea: It's very hard to use a paint swatch to tell what a color will look like on a wall. If you don't want to invest in a "test gallon", look for a small sample can that many manufacturers are now offering.
4. Square footage isn't the only consideration you should make: You do need to know the square footage of a space in order to determine the amount of paint needed but that is not the only thing you need to know. Determine if you are priming the wall first and how many coats you need to do.
5. Get ready for lot's of prep work: Around 80% of your time should actually be used to do prep work before actually painting. Spend time making your walls as flat as possible and also clean them before applying paint.
6. Primer is important: Primer seals the surface of your walls and creates a great base for the paint. If you have spackled your walls, primer is essential; unprimed spackle will look shiny under the paint.
7. Don't cut in a line: Do brushwork in the corners before you begin rolling the paint. Rolling after the brushwork will make any brush strokes disappear, creating a nice even surface. 
8. Rollers may apply more than just paint: Use masking tape to remove any extra fibers from the roller before painting. If you don't do this, any loose fibers will become permanently attached to your wall.
9. Don't overextend yourself: Extension poles are great for cutting out time and effort in a painting job. The benefits of extension poles definitely outweigh the price.
10. "Box" your paint: It may look high-tech but a paint mixer can create variations from can to can. You definitely want to avoid having two shades of the same color on one wall. To avoid this problem, have all of your paint mixed before you start painting. Boxing your paint allows you to have the same color throughout the room.

Overlooked Tips For First Time Buyers

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• Think re-sale: When buying your first home, you may know going into it that you plan on expanding your family or taking care of elderly relatives in the future so you may be planning to stay in the home for just a few years. In that case, consider the location of the prospective home in terms of school district, neighborhood, etc. If you buy a home in a less than stellar school district or a home on a very busy street, more than likely you will dramatically reduce the number of interested buyers in the home when you go to sell.
• Make a list: Make a list of the must have's in a home, nice to have's, and other essentials. When going through homes, see how the house matches up to your list; it can make the decision process much smoother and the process of evaluating homes much easier.
• Consider all expenses: When looking at a potential budget, don't just consider the cost of the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Look at the bigger picture and consider utilities, commuting costs, cable/internet costs in the area, etc.
• Read the HOA contract: If buying a home that is part of an HOA, get a copy of the HOA contract before buying and read through it. For example, your long term plan might be to rent out the house eventually, but the HOA contract might state that none of the houses in the neighborhood may be rented.
• Research grants and other funding: Many people may think their income is not low enough to qualify for various grants and funding sources but do your research. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that you do actually qualify for assistance.
• Understand the contract before you buy: Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make, so be sure to read and understand the contract before buying and clarify anything you don't understand with your Realtor or mortgage lender.
• Don't always buy for the view: Unless you own the land between your home and the view, don't buy just for the view. Any number of developments might be built to obstruct the view if that land is not owned by you.

5 Steps To A Clutter-Free Home After Moving

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• Get rid of clutter while packing and unpacking: As you pack/unpack and go through your belongings, you will find items that you no longer want and/or need. Take the opportunity to get rid of those items before you move; you can donate them or host a yard sale. This will make the move easier by bringing less junk to your new home.
• Make it a habit: If you see something that needs to be moved or cleaned up, do it right away. Procrastination leads to clutter. Create a routine by either cleaning one room at a time or by cleaning up a little bit each day. Create designated areas for everything; when things have a spot your home will be cleaned and organized much easier.
• Be smart about storage: Even when you declutter there will still be some items that you don't use but that you just can't bring yourself to get rid of. If you don't have a garage or other storage area in your home, rent a storage unit but be picky about what you store! Items can really pile up over the years.
• Wear it or get rid of it: When you bring out clothes for each season, go through each item and get rid of it if you no longer care for it, it doesn't fit, etc. 
• Shop carefully: After working so hard to declutter, you don't want to create the problem again by buying things you don't need. Before making a purchase, ask yourself these questions: Do I have enough room for it? Do I really need it? Am I buying this for the right reasons? Not only will these questions help you keep your home clutter-free, they will also help you financially. 

Why Your Home Might Be Causing Your Bad Mood

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• No potted plants: Green leaves breathe life into your home and purify the air (indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air) and have been known to reduce stress levels. Try potting a Prayer Plant, Kalanchoe, a Ponytail Palm or a Philodendron.
• Your only light source is on the ceiling: If you only use recessed pot lights (especially in the kitchen), you may not realize you really are living in the dark. Pot lights don't allow the full amount of light to shine from the bulb, so vertical surfaces don't get lit very well. Adding task lighting can help you to see what you are doing and add warmth to a space.
• Your bedroom is centered around the TV: It may seem relaxing, but zoning out while watching TV before bed can actually prevent you from falling asleep as easily as you should be.
• Your entryway is a dumping ground: Setting up a makeshift mudroom in the entryway may seem smart, but feng shui principles warn against a cluttered foyer. 
• Your dining room is painted a cool blue: Some blue hues can feel icy instead of inviting and they have actually been found to be an appetite suppressant. If you are looking to lose weight that might be great but it sure doesn't create a cozy and comfortable spot for Thanksgiving! 
• Your curtains are too low: Drapes can be hung from the ceiling instead of the top of the window frame in order to create the illusion of more space while also allowing more feel good natural light in from the window.
• All of your accessories are solid colors: When choosing various home accessories, don't be too matchy-matchy. This can create a dull and boring look which won't keep you energized. Instead, opt for different colors and patterns which will liven up the space.

15 Minute Home Makeovers

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• Switch the plates: Update switch plate and outlet covers.
• Make touch ups: Touch up scratched baseboards, window and door trim, and marks on the wall that won't go away.
• Change out hardware: Putting in new drawer pulls and knobs can give a room an inexpensive face lift. Home improvement stores have a wide variety of inexpensive hardware to choose from.
• Update the mailbox: Give an old mailbox a makeover by scrubbing it down and then spray painting it, either the same color or a new hue.
• House numbers: Switch out your old house numbers for new ones to create a custom look. Some numbers are peel and stick and others need to be nailed in. There are different material choices such as wood, plastic, brass, stainless steel, etc. Expect to spend about $6-$30 a number.
• Toilet seat: A new toilet seat can instantly improve the look of your bathroom without spending a lot.
• Declutter: Spending 15 minutes a day decluttering a room can really make a huge difference in your home. Start in the kitchen by clearing off your refrigerator door and watch your kitchen instantly look cleaner. Put mail and other paperwork in labeled boxes with lids or other organizers; put school supplies in caddies, etc.

5 Bad Financial Habits To Break

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1. Paying bills late: Late penalties can make up about 10-15% of your monthly bill. If you are frequently paying your bills late, that means you could be paying about 10% more on bills per year than you should be. If you are almost always paying some bills late, such as credit card bills, not only are you paying penalties but your credit score is probably also being dinged. If you have enough money to cover your bills but are just forgetful, set up reminders on your phone or start using a calender to organize your bill paying schedule. If you struggle with budgeting, try using the old fashioned envelope method. Create an envelope for every bill as well as a spending money envelope. On pay day, put enough money in each bill envelope to cover that expense; any left over funds can be used for spending money. If some bills are still difficult to pay on time, try contacting the company to request a new due date.
2. Experiencing bank fees: Every time you pay your bank a fee for having insufficient funds you are giving money to the bank that could have been used on you or your family. If you end up paying 3 bank fees a month at $36 each, that's $1,200 a year! If you are always being hit with bank fees it is probably due to a variety of factors such as spending more than you make or not communicating with your spouse if you have a joint account. Try sitting down with your bank manager and asking for help with the situation. They may be able to take away some of the fees and can help come up with a solution to the problem such as setting up a savings account that would act as overdraft protection for your checking account.
3. Taking out too many loans: If you are mainly using your credit card for everyday purchases and not paying off the balance every month or taking out payday loans, you are accumulating a lot of interest which can be very dangerous. Too many loans with a lot of interest involved can really create a financial hole. One way to build an emergency fund is to set aside money from every pay check to act as a rainy day savings account. For example, if you only set aside $10 every week, you will have $520 at the end of the year. Having an emergency fund allows you to "borrow" from yourself during emergencies instead of from a lender. 
4. Overspending: Spending too much money leads to many financial issues and can be a cycle that is very hard to break. Consider keeping track of your expenses online or with a phone app. Mint.com is a great resource but there are many other great ones including LearnVest.com, Manilla.com, DailyCost.com, etc. Another tactic to use is to wait when making online purchases. Instead of purchasing something right away, try leaving the item in your online cart for a few days and then come back to it and see if you still "need" it. 
5. Spending money as soon as you get it: If you spend your paycheck as soon as you receive it without really thinking things through or putting money into savings, you won't have money on hand when you really need it and the bad financial cycle will continue. 

3 Common Homebuying Myths

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1. You need to have perfect credit to purchase a home: Your credit score does influence your ability to get a home loan, especially what interest rate you get, but perfect credit is not necessary to secure a home loan. The higher your credit score, the better chance you have of getting a loan with a favorable interest rate.
2. Lenders have the freedom to share your personal credit information: In order for a lender to share your information with an affiliate, they usually need to get your permission first. Both state and federal privacy laws exist to protect your personal information.
3. Lenders only use one credit model to evaluate your credit: There are a variety of credit scoring models used to evaluate credit risk. Although scoring models can vary, factors that affect your credit score include payment history, length of credit, and the amount of debt you have.